Staff Spotlight: Pam Stafford

"The people make this office special.”

Stafford Finds Opportunity in Leading Business Office

Pam Stafford, a 10-year veteran of the RCU’s business office, says she is as proud of the work the unit accomplishes now as she was when she first started.

“I came to this office looking for new opportunities and hoping to expand my work,” she said. “I enjoy the challenges and differences that come with working with grant contracts and financials.”

One of the biggest changes occurring during Stafford’s time at the RCU is a shift focusing on the future of education in Mississippi and how the RCU will play a part in that future.

“There’s been a huge development and expansion of projects [at the RCU], which bring a constant newness to my job,” she said. “I think my job is best described as problem solving, although some days it might be better stated as putting out fires.”

In a given day, Stafford will deal with a wide variety of projects from simple supply needs to contractural needs to developing and monitoring the budgets.

After a busy day, Stafford unwinds by exercising before she heads home to her family. A conversation with her son several years ago inspired her nightly routine of stopping by the gym when she leaves the office.

“It was really Taylor that pointed me toward exercising. He encouraged me to take time for myself, and I now go to the gym five or six days a week for classes or strength training,” Stafford said.

Her exercise routine, she says, allows her to mentally decompress so that she can be fully involved with her family when she gets home. The same son who pointed her toward exercise has experience in the activity: He played baseball all the way to his junior year of college.

“We spent so much time with baseball and have great family memories from it. My daughter is involved in other activities like pageants now that we have more free time, and she has always danced,” explained Stafford. “She and I are going on a mission trip this spring to Guatemala, and we’re looking forward to that opportunity.”

Stafford enjoys time with people, whether in or outside of the office, and she is quick to point out that people are what make the difference at the RCU.

“No matter what we do, the people are what make this office special,” said Stafford.

Fun Facts

Years at the RCU:

10

Education:

Bachelor of Science in business education and Master's in business technology